Chicago Blackhawks 5 Thoughts On 2-1 OT Win Versus Predators

The Chicago Blackhawks scored late in the third period, and then Brandon Saad scored the game winner in overtime for a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators. Here are 5 Thoughts on the Chicago Blackhawks victory. 

5. The Chicago Blackhawks still can’t defend the Predators top line.

Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg, and Ryan Johansen still own the Chicago Blackhawks. They dominated the Hawks in the 4 game series last April, and they picked up where they left off Saturday night.   Forsberg scored the only Predators goal on the powerplay, but this line had all the great chances for the Preds especially in the first two periods.

4. Ryan Hartman struggled all night long

Hartman looked like the perfect fit on the 2nd line, but with Nick Schmaltz in the lineup he really struggled with the puck. He fumbled the puck at least three times, and he had a great pass from Patrick Kane go right through his legs.  Getting different linemates is an adjustment thing, but Hartman looked rough most of the night.

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3. Corey Crawford is Rock Solid

No matter what is happening on the ice, one thing is certain and that is Corey Crawford is on his A game to start the season.  Crawford is seeing pucks well, and he is not giving up that bad goal that can plague him at times.  With the basically brand new defense for the Blackhawks on the ice, it has to be a very comforting thought for coach Joel Quenneville that Crawford is back there to clean up everything that the defense let’s through.  If Crawford could ever keep this up and stay healthy for an entire season he could be a Vezina trophy candidate.

2. John Hayden Making Things Happen

You have to like the way John Hayden plays no matter what line he on.  Coach Q mixed up the lines late in the game, and it was Hayden who made a very nice pass to set up the Patrick Sharp game tying goal.  Hayden leads the Chicago Blackhawks in hits and fights and he’s got offensive skill and he’s proving his worth each night he’s on the ice.

1. It’s so Great to Have Brandon Saad Back

The game winning goal was scored by Brandon Saad after a great pass from Patrick Kane. The thing is Saad just brings an element to the Hawks team that they have been missing for 2 years. Saad is on the PK and his speed and scoring helps the Hawks in so many ways.  It will be nice if Schmaltz gets back in the lineup on Wednesday.  It made sense that Schmaltz sat out with 3 more days off after tonight!

Bonus Thought- The Hawks need to play like they did in the final period and overtime, and not the way they did in the first two periods against the Predators!

Next: Team Speed is Awaiting the Hawks In Rockford

What are your thoughts about tonight’s game?